With a population recorded as 3,891,000 in 2010, the island is home to most of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. In the 2000 census about 92.29% of Bali's population adhered to Balinese Hinduism while most of the remainder follow Islam. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. Oh no Bubba, don't even think about another wooden animal of gigantic proportions sans Thailand. Bali, despite being a tourist haven for decades, has seen a surge in tourist numbers over the years in spite of the horrid night club bombing several years back and recent global recession.
The island is divided into 9 districts and is 2,174 sq miles. Someone said there are 60,000 temples there? Do they include private Shrines in this number? The Balinese have strong religious beliefs and practice their Hinduism daily. Their beliefs are very much a part of their everyday life. I read in a January NYX article "Maybe it was the topless women that the German painter Walter Spes captured in his lsland landscapes of Bali during the1930's. But ever since, foreigners have come to undress. Shirtless Australians, surfboards strapped to the side of their motorbikes, buzz around for the best waves. At five-star resorts, bronzed Italian women in tiny bikinis while away the days with wine. Farther inland, spiritual seekers wrapped in body-skimming sarongs commune in temples.....a place where many let it all hang out". So my expectations of the fabulous resorts- our favorite the Aman" this and that, a pristine island and serenity on steroids. As Carly Simon sings it ANTICIPAAAAAAAAAATION....
Pleep is anticipating great fun...
Bubba's anticipating beautiful Balinese ladies....
Boca is anticipating serene- Eat Love Pray
EVENING FUN
We had dinner with Larry and Catherine. These fine folks from Toronto were quite interesting. Talk about well traveled. They have been married 32 years and traveling in high gear all those years. What is it about us Americans that for the most part we take 1 or 2 weeks vacation a year? The Europeans, Australians and Canadians and others have it "right"- minimum a month per year is a good idea. They also do a lot of international travel which gives a person a much broader perspective on life and people. As you know Bubba and I are big on exploring the good ol'US of A. But have no doubt, seeing and experiencing other cultures and peoples is a big part of our travel enjoyment. Ditto for Pleep. After all, it is a question of time and money and each one of us prioritizes what goes on our "list" and in what order. Larry is an avid Golfer and on his list is playing at the top 100 Golf courses in the world. He is a few shy of that goal...Augusta being one of the few. What a wonderful way to experience a sport that you are passionate about as well as seeing the world. Bubba and I could have listened to their traveling stories and adventures all night long but Pleep reminded us to get to sleep early enough so we would be fresh and ready to go for our visit to Bali High!!
www.top100golfcourses.co.uk
The island is divided into 9 districts and is 2,174 sq miles. Someone said there are 60,000 temples there? Do they include private Shrines in this number? The Balinese have strong religious beliefs and practice their Hinduism daily. Their beliefs are very much a part of their everyday life. I read in a January NYX article "Maybe it was the topless women that the German painter Walter Spes captured in his lsland landscapes of Bali during the1930's. But ever since, foreigners have come to undress. Shirtless Australians, surfboards strapped to the side of their motorbikes, buzz around for the best waves. At five-star resorts, bronzed Italian women in tiny bikinis while away the days with wine. Farther inland, spiritual seekers wrapped in body-skimming sarongs commune in temples.....a place where many let it all hang out". So my expectations of the fabulous resorts- our favorite the Aman" this and that, a pristine island and serenity on steroids. As Carly Simon sings it ANTICIPAAAAAAAAAATION....Pleep is anticipating great fun...
Boca is anticipating serene- Eat Love Pray
EVENING FUN
www.top100golfcourses.co.uk
